Zimbabwe Secures New Venue for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier vs South Africa
- Zimbabwe's senior national team will prosecute their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa in a different venue
- The Warriors played their last match against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg
- Zimbabwe's chances of qualifying for the World Cup met stiff resistance following their back-to-back loss this month
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Zimbabwe have secured another stadium ahead of next month's crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
The Warriors are currently out of the race to qualify for the Mundial coming up in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Michael Nees-led team lost 1-0 to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Alassane Ouattara on September 5, before falling to Rwanda 1-0 at their adopted home ground at the Orlando Stadium three days later.
Source: Getty Images
Zimbabwe is currently bottom of the table with four points from eight matches, having drawn four and lost four.
Zimbabwe get new stadium
The Zimbabwe Football Association will not play against South Africa at the Orlando Stadium.
According to Soccer Laduma, ZIFA confirmed that the clash is scheduled for October 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Zimbabwe had applied to execute their World Cup qualifier at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Botswana, but the Zebras are set to face Uganda at the same stadium on October 9.
The Warriors have been playing all their home matches in Rwanda and South Africa, as none of their stadia were approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved stadiums. According to Zimbabwe's official:
"It's a Catch-22 situation for ZIFA because there are no immediate alternatives from a logistical perspective as the other neighbouring countries will also be using their venues."
Zimbabwe played their home match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Huye stadium in Butare, Rwanda and the remaining three at the Orlando Stadium and Moses Mabhida.
After their encounter against the Bafana Bafana, their last qualifying match is against Lesotho as the Crocodiles do not have a CAF-approved stadium either.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa favoured with venue
South Africa takes on Zimbabwe in their matchday 9 of the 2026 CAF qualification group C.
According to iol, the Bafana Bafana are on the verge of making it to the World Cup after hosting the Mundial in 2010.
South Africa lead Group C with 17 points but are on the verge of losing three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena) in their match against Lesotho in 2024.
The world football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation.
South Africa will have to beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda to qualify for the World Cup.
Zimbabwe captain sends message to Super Eagles
Legit.ng earlier reported that Zimbabwe national team captain Marshall Munetsi has fired a warning to the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match.
He admitted Nigeria have a very strong attack but added that the Warriors have a young side and it would not only be about Nigeria's attackers alone.
Source: Legit.ng
